Justice News

Hotevilla Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

PHOENIX– This week, Melvin C. Yazzie, 40, of Hotevilla, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayesto 90 month of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Yazzie had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.

On Sept. 8, 2015, Yazzie engaged in a physical fight with the victim near Ft. Defiance, Ariz. During the fight, Yazzie stabbed the victim with a knife eighteen times. The victim survived and was hospitalized for numerous days. The victim and Yazzie are both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.

The investigation in this case was conducted by Navajo Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.